I just returned from hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at nearly 6,000 meters (~20,000 feet) above sea level, it was both physically demanding and deeply humbling.
Reaching the summit reminded me how fortunate we are to live in peaceful, stable countries where we can pursue challenges like this, where our greatest struggles are personal goals, not survival.
But as I descended, one thought kept coming back to me: while we climb mountains for sport, Ukrainians are climbing theirs every single day for freedom, for their families, and for all of us.
Their fight is not only about Ukraine. It is about defending the very peace and liberty that allow us to live the lives we often take for granted. And that fight comes at a tremendous cost.
Just last week, my good friend Kan, who leads one of the reconnaissance units we support, was severely injured on the front. He is one of thousands of heroes who risk everything to hold the line for the free world.
Moments like this are a powerful reminder of what truly matters. They need our help more than ever, and as Christmas approaches, I cannot think of a more meaningful gift than supporting the Ukrainian heroes who are fighting, not only for their own country, but for the future of freedom and democracy worldwide.
I am personally donating another $10,000 to help fund new vehicles for frontline units. It is a significant sum for me, but this cause could not be more important. These soldiers are sacrificing everything to protect our peace, and it is only right that we stand by them in their hour of need.
If you are in a position to do so, I want to encourage you to join me. Make this Christmas truly meaningful by giving generously to those who give everything for us. Whether you contribute $1,000, $5,000, or more, every dollar directly saves lives and strengthens Ukraine’s defense.
Someday, we will look back on this moment and feel immense pride knowing that when freedom was under attack, we did not stay silent. We stood up, we helped, and we made a difference. Your children and grandchildren will one day ask what you did during these decisive times, and you will be able to say with pride that you helped stop evil and defend liberty when it mattered most.
This is the most impactful Christmas gift you can give: the gift of survival, freedom, and hope.
How We Are Helping: ‘Freedom Convoys’
This war resonates deeply with me as a Finn, given our long history of resisting Russian aggression. As a reserve intelligence officer, I also know that if this conflict ever escalated, I would be among the first called back to defend my own country.
Recognizing those stakes early in the war, I knew I had to get involved. That realization led me to help organize what we now call our “Freedom Convoys.”
We quickly identified critical gaps in the support Ukraine was receiving, and one of the most urgent was the shortage of basic transportation. While Ukraine has received sophisticated weaponry, it often lacks the vehicles needed to move troops and equipment efficiently. This shortage has cost countless lives, as soldiers struggle to evacuate the wounded or escape artillery fire simply because they lack the means to move fast enough.
To help close this gap, we began purchasing trucks and equipping them for combat. Each vehicle is fitted with camouflage, mud tires, drone jammers, and night vision to withstand the harsh conditions at the front.
At first, these efforts were entirely self-funded. I even purchased several trucks myself, proudly placing the Finnish and Ukrainian flags side by side as a symbol of solidarity.
But as the war intensified, so did the need. That is when we turned to our community for help, and I am proud to say that the High Yield Landlord community rose to the occasion in an extraordinary way.
Thanks to your generosity, we have now raised over $600,000, allowing us to buy and deliver about 40 fully equipped trucks filled with critical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers. I am constantly humbled by this outpouring of support. Some of you have donated $30,000 or more, while many others have contributed between $1,000 and $10,000. Even the smaller donations, $100 to $500, have added up to make an incredible difference.
Together, we are making a real and measurable impact.
The Next Convoy: How You Can Help
I will soon head back to Ukraine for my 8th trip, and I am again raising donations from family, friends, and my community here at High Yield Landlord.
Our goal is to raise about $95,000 (€82,000) in order to buy four trucks that will be equipped with mud tires, night vision, and drone jammers. With my donation and that of close friends and family, we are already at one-fourth of the goal, and hope to complete this with your help:
These trucks will then be donated to four specific units that have been selected by our team based on their critical needs:
Pretoria, International Legion - An elite reconnaissance unit led by my friend, Kan, working directly under Ukraine’s military intelligence.
30th Marine Corps, 426th Unmanned Systems Battalion
Team phalanx
2nd Separate Assault Company, 2nd Battalion, 153rd Motorized Rifle Brigade
Each unit has recorded personal messages for you, explaining how critical this support is. You can watch their videos on our website by clicking here.
Here is one example:
On our website, you will also see that we have set up incentives for each donor:
Badges of Honor: All donors will receive a badge as a keepsake of their contribution, something you can proudly display as a symbol of your support for Ukraine.
Personalized Vehicles: Based on your donation, you can also have your country’s flag, company logo, or a personal message placed on one of the trucks we send to the frontlines.
Join the Convoy: For our largest donors, there’s the incredible opportunity to join me on this next convoy to Kyiv! My brother, Joni, will also join this one. Imagine seeing the difference you are making firsthand, meeting the soldiers you are helping, and experiencing Ukraine’s resilience up close. If this interests you, make sure to read the Q&A below.
I have said this before, and I will repeat it again: for most of us, it makes no real difference whether we have an extra $1,000 in our account or not, but it makes a huge difference for the people in Ukraine.
In my mind, this is the best kind of charity because the volunteers work for free, we take all the risks ourselves, and we top up your donations with our own money. Typically, if you donate $1,000 to a charity, you would be happy if half of that actually goes into helping people. Here, it is the opposite. Every dollar you give goes directly to the cause, and we stretch your donation by contributing our own time, resources, and funds. It’s a true value investment in the future of freedom, and that is why I am putting my own money into this effort.
Click here to visit our website and donate
Q&A Section
(1) How can I donate?
We have set up a website to raise donations, and you can donate with a wire transfer, credit card, Apple Pay, PayPal, or even crypto.
Click here to visit our website and donate
(2) Is my donation tax-deductible?
If you are a U.S. donor, you can make a tax-deductible contribution through our 501(c)(3) partner. For instructions, please visit our 501(c)(3) donation page by clicking here.
Please also inform me if you make such a donation. Here is my email address: jaskola@leonbergcapital.com
Thank you!
(3) What is your organization?
Its name is “Help99” and you can learn more about it by clicking here.
We are backed by many high-profile politicians and entrepreneurs who support our efforts and regularly join us on our convoys. Here is what we have achieved so far:
We are also well-connected in Ukraine. As an example, our group has previously met with Ukraine’s then Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba:
(4) What are the badge designs? How can I get my badge?
You will see three different designs on our website by clicking here.
NAFO, short for the North Atlantic Fella Organization, is a clever play on ‘NATO.’ It represents a grassroots social media movement aimed at countering Russian disinformation while crowdfunding aid to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
The first one is the new official logo of the Pretoria unit, which is part of the International Legion. It is led by one of my friends and works directly under Ukraine’s military intelligence.
The second badge brings a Christmas touch, showing Santa Claus fighting for Ukraine. It reads “Slava Claus,” a playful mix of Slava Ukraini and Santa Claus.
The third badge is the logo of the Phalanx unit, which is closely connected with the Pretoria unit.
After donating, you will be requested to provide an address for the delivery of the badge. We ship worldwide!
(5) I want to donate and join the convoy. What should I know?
The minimum donation to join our convoy is $11,620 (€10,000). That might sound like a lot, but for what you’re getting, it is truly exceptional.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the kind of trip that money alone can’t typically buy. Access like this requires the right relationships, and we have taken care of everything: the paperwork, the logistics, the planning. All you have to do is show up and be part of something extraordinary.
Worried about safety? You are not alone, but the reality is far less dramatic than it may seem. Foreign presidents, diplomats, and even celebrities now visit Kyiv regularly. Ukraine is a large country, and the fighting is far from the capital. Kyiv itself is well-protected with advanced air defenses, and civilian casualties are now rare relative to the size of the city.
This will be an unforgettable journey. You will meet me, the full crew, and most importantly, Ukrainian defenders on the ground. You will stay two nights in a nice hotel in Kyiv (yes, it has a bomb shelter), explore this beautiful and resilient city, and take part in meaningful, memorable activities.
And most of all, you will make a real impact on this war.
One of our members, Stan Miller, made a generous $25,000 donation in 2023 and joined us on one of our convoys. He made a 5-minute video about the experience:
Since then, many more members have joined our convoys, and every single one has said that it was well worth the cost.
Our next trip will start on the second week of December and will last five days (please send me an email at jaskola@leonbergcapital.com for the exact dates).
You will fly into Tallinn, Estonia, a day or two before we start the convoy. From there, we will drive all the way to Kyiv, Ukraine, passing through Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland along the way, five countries in one unforgettable journey!
You will be paired with at least one other person per car so you can take turns driving and rest when needed. We also stop every few hours for breaks, meals, and coffee.
Can’t drive? No problem. Just let me know in advance, and we will arrange additional drivers.
We will take care of all the necessary paperwork ahead of the trip to ensure smooth entry into Ukraine. All you need is a passport that’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
Once we arrive in Kyiv, we will park the cars, check into the hotel, freshen up with a shower, and head out for a well-deserved dinner to celebrate another successful convoy.
Kyiv currently has a midnight curfew, so we will return to the hotel before then, but the lobby bar stays open later if you are not quite ready to turn in.
The next day, we will meet with Ukrainian soldiers to deliver the vehicles and supplies. You will have a chance to talk with them, take photos, and witness firsthand the impact of your support.
We will also spend time exploring Kyiv, and if the schedule allows, visit places like Bucha and Hostomel Airport. While we can’t guarantee anything in advance, every past trip has included meaningful and memorable experiences.
We plan to spend two nights in Kyiv, giving you time to enjoy the city, try Ukrainian cuisine, and take part in additional activities.
After our time in Kyiv, we will board an overnight train to Warsaw, which has sleeping compartments. It is surprisingly comfortable!
From Warsaw, you can catch your flight home or stay an extra night or two at a local spa or hotel. That’s what I usually do. Warsaw is a beautiful city, and even its top hotels are very affordable.
Your donation covers most major expenses, including:
Hotel accommodation in Kyiv
Welcome dinner on the first night
Train ticket back to Warsaw
If you are interested in joining the next convoy, send me an email at jaskola@leonbergcapital.com, and I will share more details.
You can also watch this documentary by YouTuber Artur Rehi (700,000 subscribers), who regularly joins our trips:
(6) What are the exact dates of the convoy?
The trip is scheduled to begin in the second week of December.
Once you reach out, I will share the exact dates so we can coordinate your arrival in Tallinn, Estonia.
If you are interested, please email me at jaskola@leonbergcapital.com
(7) I can’t join in December. Can I join another convoy?
Yes! If you donate $11,620 or more but can’t join this convoy, you are welcome to participate in a future one when the timing works for you. We organize convoys every month.
Just let me know so we can reserve your spot. This specific campaign may not be repeated, so it is best to confirm your interest early.
(8) Can I take a friend with me?
Of course!
As long as the donation is at least $11,620 per person, you can take as many people as you want with you. We can always buy additional cars and supplies with the funds.
(9) Do you have any other questions?
Please let me know in the comment section or send me an email at jaskola@leonbergcapital.com, and I will be happy to help!
Let’s stand with Ukraine and show the world that, when freedom is under attack, we come together to defend it.
Click here to visit our website and donate
Thank you for your support!
Jussi
I wanted to make one more addition:
I understand that you are here at High Yield Landlord to get research on $REIT investment opportunities, and may not care much about Russia's invasion of Ukraine or even agree with my take on it.
If you are in that category, that is perfectly fine, and you can simply ignore this message. We will be back to $REIT research next week.
If I can help with anything else, please let me know!
Have a great day, and thank you for your support.
Jussi
Thank you very much for your support of Ukraine, Jussi. As an American, of Ukrainian descent/background/heritage/religion on my mother's side, I am grateful for your ongoing and sincere support for Ukraine and their struggle for sovereignty, freedom especially in the backdrop of their history as you kindly share with your nation as a Finn. THANK YOU SINCERELY.